Arnold Wills, Chair of WCCT, writes: "We have heard today that Timothy Parsons, presently Director of Music at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, will be coming to Wells as Director of Music in September 2024. We look forward to welcoming Tim and his wife Cressida to Wells in September and to working with him as the Trust, now in its 21st year, continues its valuable work supporting Choristers.”
The full announcement from the Cathedral is reproduced below.
Wells Cathedral is delighted to announce that Timothy Parsons has been appointed as its next Director of Music and will take up the post on 1 September 2024.
Timothy is presently Director of Music at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, a position he has held since April 2021. Prior to this appointment, and from September 2016, Timothy was Assistant Director of Music at Exeter Cathedral.
Timothy is a very fine musician and composer of liturgical music. He is a gifted conductor with a talent for encouraging and bringing out the best in singers of all ages whilst improving on the level of performance. Since his arrival at St Edmundsbury, over forty new Choristers have joined the Cathedral Choir, as well as a brand new team of six professional Vicars Choral.
The gifts that Timothy brings will enhance the worship and mission of the Cathedral, by working collaboratively with colleagues, promoting musical outreach and finding ways of ensuring that the high standard of music in Wells is sustained. Timothy has also been Interim Musical Director for Bury Bach Choir, including directing a performance of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana at the Bury Apex in March 2023.
Timothy comments: “I am thrilled to have been appointed Director of Music at Wells Cathedral. It will be a privilege to lead its world-famous musical tradition for the next stage of its history. Cressida and I are greatly looking forward to our move to Wells and to becoming part of the life of the Cathedral in September.”
The Acting Dean of Wells, Anne Gell comments: “Timothy brings exceptional musical skills as choir director, organist and composer as well as energy, enthusiasm, and a passion and vision for Cathedral music with the potential it has to enhance and change lives. We look forward to welcoming him to Wells, to all that he will add to the life of the Cathedral and to further exciting developments in music at Wells, under his leadership”.
The Dean of St. Edmundsbury, Joe Hawes, comments: “Timothy has brought exceptional skills to his role as Director of Music and has really enriched the music programme here during his three years at St Edmundsbury Cathedral. He has made such a memorable contribution to the worship and musical life of the Cathedral, as well as developing great partnerships with our local schools. We are very sad to see him go but we wish him all the very best for his new role at Wells.”
Image © Emma Solley / St Edmundsbury Cathedral